S2_L1 Anatomy, X-ray, CT Scan, & MRI of the Lumbar and Sacral Spine Flashcards
It is the biggest and thickest portion of all the spinal regions. However, this region may become smaller due to degeneration or fractures.
Lumbar spine
TRUE OR FALSE: The lumbar spine is assessed cephalocaudally.
False, it’s assessed caudocephalically
Modified TF
A. The L4-L5 and L5-S1 IV discs are wedge-shaped and thicker anteriorly.
B. L4-L5 is the most wedge-shaped IV disc in the lumbar spine.
TF
B: L5-S1 is the most wedge-shaped
Modified TF
A. The primary supports of the sacroiliac joint are the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments.
B. These two ligaments form the greater and lesser sciatic foramina.
FT
A: The interosseous ligaments (posterior & anterior sacroiliac ligaments) are the primary supports. The sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments are additional supports of the SI joint.
TRUE OR FALSE: In pelvic fractures, disruptions of the primary supports of the SI joint cause narrowing and instability, leading to an unstable pelvic brim.
False, disruptions of the primary supports of the SI joint cause widening and instability, leading to an unstable pelvic brim.
Scottie Dog
- Foreleg
- Ear
- Hind leg
- Tail
A. Superior articulating process
B. Superior articulating process (opposite)
C. Inferior articulating process
D. Inferior articulating process (opposite)
- C
- A
- D
- B
Scottie Dog
- Neck
- Body
- Eye
- Nose
A. Pedicle
B. Transverse Process
C. Pars interarticularis
D. Lamina and spinous process
- C
- D
- A
- B
Refers to the narrow portion in the posterior pillar of the vertebra, located in between the superior and inferior articular facets.
Pars interarticularis
Modified TF
A. The right and left oblique views are taken with a central ray passing through L4-L5 and a pillow wedge to allow obliquity.
B. The image of a Scottie dog can be seen on an oblique radiograph of the lumbar spine.
FT
A: Right and left oblique views are taken with a central ray passing through L3-L4 and a pillow wedge to allow obliquity.
TRUE OR FALSE: The sacrum is visualized on a basic lumbar spine series, but it can also be radiographed as a separate examination if it is the area of interest.
True
Modified TF
A. The Ferguson’s angle is measured from the sacral base and a vertical line at the anterior edge of sacrum.
B. The Barge angle is measured from the sacral base and a horizontal line at the anterior edge of sacrum.
FF
A: The Ferguson’s angle is measured from the sacral base and a horizontal line at the anterior edge of sacrum.
B: The Barge angle is measured from the sacral base and a vertical line at the anterior edge of sacrum.
Lumbosacral Angle Average Values
- Ferguson’s angle: __
- Barge angle: __
- Ferguson’s angle: 41º
- Barge angle: 53º
Modified TF
A. In the lateral view, the individual is lying in the R/L decubitus position and the central ray passes through L3-L4.
B. The central ray always passes perpendicular to the image receptor in the lateral view.
TT
Note: The central ray should always be perpendicular in this view, if not it will be oblique.
The following are the basic projections of the routine radiologic evaluation of the lumbosacral spine, except:
A. Anteroposterior
B. Lateral
C. Right and left obliques
D. Lateral L4-L5
E. None
D. Lateral L4-L5
Correct answer is Lateral L5-S1, which is taken in the lateral decubitus position and when focusing on the sacroiliac joint and this area of the lumbosacral spine.
This ligament provides the major restraint against excessive shear between L5 and the sacrum.
Iliolumbar ligament
MRI of the LS Spine: Indication or Contraindication
- Syringohydromyelia
- Intramedullary tumors, intradural masses
- External or implanted cardiac pacemakers
- Ferromagnetic intracranial aneurysm clips
- Meningeal abnormalities
- I
- I
- CI
- CI
- I
MRI of the LS Spine: Indication or Contraindication
- Extensive tattoos
- Neurostimulators
- Spinal vascular malformations and/or cause of occult subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Intrinsic spinal cord pathology, demyelinating and inflammatory conditions
- Cochlear implants (hearing aids on inner or outer ear)
- CI (d/t iron and lead content)
- CI
- I
- I
- CI
MRI of the LS Spine: Indication or Contraindication
- Treatment fields for radio tx
- Disc space infections, osteomyelitis, epidural abscess
- Extradural soft tissue and body neoplasm
- Ferromagnetic foreign bodies or electronic devices
- Pre-op assessment for vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty
- I
- I
- I
- CI
- I
MRI of the LS Spine: Indication or Contraindication
- Intradural extramedullary masses, leptomeningeal disease
- Nonremovable body piercing
- Degenerative disc disease
- Post op intraspinal fluid or post-op soft tissue changes
- Congenital spinal abnormalities/scoliosis
- I
- CI
- I
- I
- I
TRUE OR FALSE: Post-op open reduction internal fixation done using titanium screws, plates, or rods is compatible with MRI.
True
MRI typical pulse sequences
1. Defines abnormal fluid
2. Defines anatomical structures
3. Recommended for viewing of infection, trauma, & tumors
4. Abnormal fluid edema
A. T1 weighted sequences
B. T2 weighted sequences
- B
- A
- B
- B
Modified TF
A. The MRI is commonly used for tumors, masses, and other chronic conditions.
B. The CT scan is more used for acute and life-threatening conditions in trauma radiology.
TT
Modified TF
A. The anterior surface of the sacral spine is smooth & concave.
B. It contains 5 pairs of anterior sacral foraminae where the anterior rami of the sacral nerves exit.
TF
B: It contains 4 pairs of anterior sacral foraminae where the anterior rami of the sacral nerves exit.
Sacral Spine parts
- Failed union of the 5th sacral laminae
- Large masses of bone lateral to sacral body segments
- Superior End
- Inferior End; fused with coccyx distally
- Articulates with the ilium (base of iliac wing) and forms the SI joint
A. Ala wing
B. Base
C. Apex
D. Sacral hiatus
- D
- A
- B
- C
- A
Modified TF
A. The sacroiliac joint is formed primarily from the upper 5 sacral vertebrae.
B. The sacrum is the fusion of 3 sacral vertebrae, shaped like an inverted triangle.
FF
A: The sacroiliac joint is formed primarily from the upper 3 sacral vertebrae.
B: The sacrum is the fusion of the 5 sacral vertebrae, shaped like an inverted triangle.
Modified TF
A. The posterior surface of the sacral spine is rough and corrugated.
B. The midline sacral crest is present on the posterior surface, made up of fused sacral transverse processes.
TF
B: The midline sacral crest is present on the posterior surface, made up of fused sacral spinous processes.
Modified TF
A. The facets of the lumbar spine are coronally oriented.
B. With the exception of the facets of L5 that are sagittally oriented.
FF
A: The facets of the lumbar spine are sagittally oriented.
B: L5 facets are coronally oriented
Basic Protocols of LS Spine
- Takes approx. 20-30 slices per vertebra
- Extends from T12 to SI joints (Lower thoracic spine to SI joints)
- After development of film, you can request to post process to view in other angles
- Axial and sagittal images are the standard, coronal is infrequently obtained
A. Basic CT protocol
B. Basic MRI protocol
C. Both
D. Neither
- A
- C
- A
- B